Photographic and film processors

Overview

Photographic and film processors process and finish still photographic film and motion picture film. They are employed in film processing laboratories and retail photofinishing establishments.

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

  • Operate equipment to develop negatives and slides, and to print black and white and colour photographs

  • Operate photographic enlarging equipment to produce prints and enlargements from negatives

  • Operate equipment to develop motion picture film

  • Tend automatic equipment in retail establishments to develop colour negatives, prints and slides

  • Operate equipment to transfer film to video tape

  • Retouch photographic negatives or original prints to correct defects

  • Splice film and mount film on reels

  • Measure and mix chemicals required for processing

  • Inspect rolls of photographic prints for conformance to specifications; or motion picture film to detect defects in developing and printing.

Job titles

  • chemical mixer - photographic processing
  • colour film analyzer - photographic processing
  • copy camera operator - photographic processing
  • darkroom technician
  • darkroom technician - photographic processing
  • developer-printer machine tender

Employment prospects

Source: BC Labour Market Outlook 2024 edition

Annual salary

Low

-

Median

$44,800

High

-

Job openings

Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.

British Columbia

78

expected job openings (5-year forecast)

Education and training

Employment requirements

  • Completion of secondary school is usually required.

  • For employment in film processing laboratories, completion of a college or other specialized photography program or Extensive related experience is required.

  • For employment as a film printing machine operator in retail outlets, on-the-job training is provided.

Additional information

  • There is mobility among occupations within laboratory processing operations.

  • Progression is possible from automatic machine tenders in retail establishments to laboratory processing occupations.

Certification requirements

  • No certification requirements

Post-secondary programs in B.C.

No post-secondary education required

No post-secondary education required. You can work in this career without post-secondary education. Some on the job training may be provided. With additional training or experience, you may be able to progress into higher level, supervisory or management positions.

Beneficial post-secondary programs (not required)

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